Can you truly control the outcomes in your life, or is it merely an illusion? Join us in this episode of "When East Meets West" as Dr. Pete Economou and Dr. Nikki Rubin share their personal battles with the human desire for outcome control and the profound impact of accepting uncertainty. You'll learn how research bias can skew our perceptions and the necessity of retaining curiosity in scientific endeavors. Using surprising examples like lollipop colors and their effect on mood, we illustrate the invaluable nature of all data, challenging the narcissistic belief that we can predict results through mere thought and planning.

Shift your focus from the end goal to the present moment as we draw insights from Buddhist philosophy and Zen practices. Discover how embracing the process, rather than fixating on the outcome, can enhance well-being and performance in areas ranging from sports to business. By practicing mindfulness and acceptance, we can manage expectations and reduce suffering, no matter our circumstances. Listen in as we explore the continuous journey of letting go of attachments to both positive and negative outcomes, consistently bringing our attention back to the present—much like the practice of meditation.

How often do you consider the true depth of intimacy in your life? Join us as we explore the diverse dimensions of intimacy that go far beyond its typical association with sex. Intimacy isn't confined to romantic relationships; it flourishes in friendships, family dynamics, and even in the way we understand others. We ponder whether the term "intimacy" is apt for describing parent-child relationships and emphasize the significance of forming meaningful connections in a variety of contexts. Discover how deep observation and understanding of another person can enrich your everyday interactions.

In this episode, we also dive into the intricate relationships between love, intimacy, and connection, shedding light on the importance of love languages such as acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, and gifts. You'll learn about the enteric nervous system—our "second brain" in the gut—and how it senses safety in intimate relationships. We reflect on how intimacy can be felt in the body, likening its emotional nourishment to a fullness in the heart. Finally, we invite you to reflect on where you currently experience intimacy and where you might want to cultivate more of it. Tune in to embark on a journey of emotional connection and discover the transformative power of intimacy in your life.

Can high energy levels be both a blessing and a curse? Join us as we reconnect after a whirlwind hiatus to discuss everything from our personal journey updates to the intriguing dynamics of hypomania among high performers. Dr. Nikki Rubin walks us through the booming success of her practice and her exciting collaboration with Simple Practice, while Dr. Pete Economou shares his experiences in academia and sports psychology training. We take a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s and reflect on the pervasive culture of busyness in American society. Reconnecting in New York brought us joy and a renewed focus on the importance of mindfulness and balance in our demanding schedules.

In another engaging chapter, we dissect the complex world of hypomania, distinguishing it from mania and exploring its allure and pitfalls for individuals with bipolar disorder. We also navigate the post-COVID landscape, examining how the pandemic has caused an over-correction in our engagement with daily activities. How can we align our busyness with our core values to ensure our lives feel enriching rather than exhausting? Tune in to hear our insights on managing the new normal, recovering from perfectionism, and finding a fulfilling balance in our increasingly hectic lives. This episode is rich with practical advice and reflective moments, all aimed at improving mental and emotional well-being.

Over the recent years there has been a growing number of portrayals of mental health providers in media, further helping the de-stigmatization of mental health. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the recent Apple TV series, Ted Lasso. Tune in to learn how this series has wonderfully portrayed the role of psychology, the impact of a team approach, and so much more behavioral interpretation of his television series. 

On Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy

Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. © 2023 Copyright

Peter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.

THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE

IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html 

When East Meets West is proud to be sponsored by The Complete Private Practice Tool Kit: https://www.privatepracticetoolkit.com/

Dr. Rubin presented the issue in the U.S. with access to care across many different medical arenas, of course emphasizing mental healthcare. Finding the right mental health provider can be a challenge for so many people due to financial limitations, availability, the right fit, and so much more. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete talk about private practice and the reasons why many mental health providers choose to go into private practice. Dr. Rubin also speaks about why she developed a course for therapists so they can learn how to treat more patients and run the private practice more efficiently.

Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. 
© 2023 Copyright

Peter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.

THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE

IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html 

When East Meets West is proud to be sponsored by The Complete Private Practice Tool Kit: https://www.privatepracticetoolkit.com/

Dr. Pete brought the topic of liberation, which of course Dr. Rubin was so easily able to define as a part of freedom. There is so much power in words and Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin break down the role of relational frame theory and how the word liberation can be perceived. Dr. Pete introduces the audience to the 3 doors of liberation from Buddhism which includes emptiness, signlessness, and aimlessness. Tune in to learn about how these doors of liberation and how someone can live them in a form of action.

Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. © 2023 Copyright

Peter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.

THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE

IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html 

When East Meets West is proud to be sponsored by The Complete Private Practice Tool Kit: https://www.privatepracticetoolkit.com/

Dr. Rubin brings her knowledge on this western behavioral practice of distress tolerance. The APA definition of Distress tolerance: the level of either (a) one’s unwillingness to experience emotional distress as part of pursuing desired goals or (b) one’s inability to engage in goal-directed behaviors when experiencing distress. Low distress tolerance is related to a range of disorders, including borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, and eating disorders; some treatments (e.g., dialectical behavior therapy) are designed in part to raise an individual’s level of distress tolerance by habituating him or her to the experience of adapting to distress and other negative emotions. Box breathing, self soothe, senses, water and ice, and other techniques are offered. DBT Book reference: Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT® skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press. 

Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin.  © 2023 Copyright

Peter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.

THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE

IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html 

Dr. Pete brings topics from his recent dharma talk on delusions and illusions, the Zen teaching of how nothing exists outside the mind. The world as we see it can all be viewed as one big illusion, which is a western practice of cognitive defusion. Dr. Rubin gently challenges around the concept and reminds us that humans have difficult experiences and it is important to acknowledge those feelings. The doctors get into the conversation of letting go and how the Eastern teaching is hard for the Westerner. Tune in to see how to manage life as delusions and illusions.

Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. 

© 2023 Copyright

Peter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.

THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE

IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html